Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 357

September 4, 2017

125 of My Favorite Recipes for Football Season! Football Food!

It’s the best time of year! The games, the weather, the FOOD, all that jazz!


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


Below you’ll find a list of my favorite recipes for football season – some are made for tailgating while others are perfect at home on the weekends. I’ve made a huge compilation of my favorite foods for football season for five years running now! You can find the previous years here:


2016


2015


2014


2013


2012


Make sure to share your favorites down below!


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


DIPS


homemade pub cheese


roasted green chile queso cheese dip


cheesy chipotle bacon guacamole


hot bacon cherry pepper hummus


copycat chipotle corn salsa


spinach + kale greek yogurt dip


caramelized pineapple, bacon goat cheese guacamole


whipped feta


homemade french onion dip


white pizza dip


butternut squash goat cheese dip


layered buffalo chicken dip


roasted butternut squash hummus


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


SNACKS


cheddar roasted garlic cheese straws


brown sugar sriracha sesame popcorn


slow cooker buffalo chicken meatballs


lobster corn fritters with truffle herb mayo


20 minute turkey taco nachos


cheesy pumpkin parmesan french bread


BBQ chicken french breads


white pizza pull apart bread


30 minutes buffalo chicken french breads


buffalo beer cheese fondue fries


marinated flank steak hummus plate


chimichurri fries with gorgonzola


brown butter herb garlic knots


spinach, bacon + artichoke stuffed portobellos


how to make a killer cheese plate


the best sweet and spicy snack mix


crispy carnitas oven nachos


bacon blue deviled eggs


fontina roasted garlic arancini


pomegranate jeweled white cheddar cheeseball


sweet + sticky pomegranate chicken wings


chipotle beer shrimp quesadillas with spicy guac


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


SALADS


honey mustard chopped chicken salad


rosemary chicken, bacon and avocado salad


poppy seed fruit salad


grilled buffalo chicken caesar salads


parm crusted chicken salads


autumn arugula salad


tequila shrimp taco salad


crispy bacon pasta salad


pistachio pesto pasta salad


warm brussels caesar salad with bacon ciabatta croutons


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


CHILI & SOUP


pulled pork ramen


game day beer chili


cider cheese soup shooters in mini pretzel bread bowls


white bean soup with crumbled bacon


creamy tomato soup shooters with grilled cheese sticks


smoked gruyere butternut soup with crispy chickpeas


spicy chicken chili with pumpkin beer biscuits


braised short rib beef stew


beer cheese soup in homemade bread bowls


smoky white bean chicken chili


white chicken quinoa chili


chicken pot pie soup


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


MAIN DISHES


short rib sauce with bucatini


grilled baby back ribs with root beer BBQ sauce


bbq beer chicken 


pulled chicken guacamole sliders


grilled flank steak toppings bar


pulled pork with cherry BBQ sauce


short rib tacos with salted lime cabbage


thai drunken zucchini noodles


easy chicken tacos


BBQ meatloaf cornbread stacks


green goddess salmon burgers


beer marinated steak fajitas


crockpot pulled pork tacos with sweet chili slaw


brown sugar and roasted garlic pot roast sandwiches


chili garlic chicken skewers with yogurt dipping sauce


creamy chicken and buttermilk dumplings


our favorite lightened up beef enchiladas with homemade sauce


beer battered fish tacos


best cheese enchiladas


pesto chicken parmesan sliders


chili cheese polenta bowls


sweet and spicy short rib tacos


sticky apple cider BBQ chicken


buffalo wing shrimp with blue cheese grits


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


PIZZA


ciabatta pizza bread


white pizza with garlic sauce


hot and sweet pepper pizza


pepperoni puff pastry pizza


meat lovers pizza


bacon cheeseburger skillet pizza


cast iron skillet brussels sprouts bacon pizza


honey chipotle chicken pizza with goat cheese


caramelized onion, bacon + gruyere pizza


white pizza lasagna


pizza supreme on cauliflower crust


chipotle bacon & smoked blue cheese pizza


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


TREATS


toasted marshmallow harvest rice crispy treats


one bowl whiskey chocolate fudge cake


sweet orange cinnamon pull apart bread


devils food cupcakes with pomegranate sugar shards


brown sugar pumpkin cheesecake


peanut butter pretzel stuffed chocolate bark


chai cupcakes


chocolate cobbler


peanut butter cheesecake with marshmallow cream


double dark chocolate peanut butter cup cookies


homemade snickers bars


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado fudge frosting


burnt caramel bourbon ice cream with milk chocolate toffee


peppermint pattie brownies


brown butter oatmeal chunk cookies


chocolate tres leches cake


peanut butter fudge brownie trifle


pumpkin s’mores cupcakes


chocolate cream pie with vanilla whipped cream


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


COCKTAILS


cider beer sangria


mulled wine, two ways


cranberry chai sangria


apple cider sangria


pomegranate margaritas


cranberry cider punch – non alcoholic


crockpot coconut hot chocolate


bourbon chai caramel milkshakes


pomegranate orange punch


iced whiskey coffees


apple cider margaritas


key lime beergaritas


mojito margaritas


125 recipes for football season (the best tailgating recipes) I howsweeteats.com


Enjoy! I’d love for you to leave some of your favorite links to recipes below. Always looking for amazing ones!


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Published on September 04, 2017 03:45

September 2, 2017

Currently Crushing On.

currently crushing on I howsweeteats.com


Hello Saturday! I hope you guys have a wonderful long weekend and celebrate this unofficial end of summer.


So much new stuff this week! I shared



my august beauty favorites along with
my august lifestyle favorites

and later this week I will have up a little recap of our trip to Maine last weekend, which was so much fun. Thank you guys so much for the amazing recommendations. I already caught Eddie looking at vbro for a place to stay on the beach next summer – ha!


I shared this earlier in the week and I know there are so many ways out there that we can help everyone in Houston, but I must share again this special way that you can help or directly sponsor a family in need.


What are your plans over the next few days? And what were you loving this week? I’d love to hear it! xo


Favorites of the week!


mini mozzarella meatballs? i’m in.


how great does this watermelon salad with candied pistachios look?!


beautiful zucchini cupcakes with vanilla frosting.


let’s make HOMEMADE SPRINKLES!


corn and cherry tomato salsa! i loooove corn in salsa.


really feeling this insane creme brulee french toast.


dying over this fruit balloon garland.


love these easy chile verde burritos. yes please.


super seedy baked oatmeal! craving like this whoa and i’m not a hot oatmeal person.


this prosciutto wrapped baked chicken looks awesome.


love these blueberry buckwheat pancakes.


and these power flax chocolate chip banana muffins. mmmm.


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Published on September 02, 2017 03:45

September 1, 2017

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Avocado Fudge Frosting.

Behold! The fudgiest chocolate cupcake in the universe!


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


Okay maybe it’s not theeee fudgiest, but it’s so super chocolately and soft and the frosting is everything I want in my life always.


If the only thing I had to eat right now were chocolate zucchini cupcakes, that would be totally fine.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


I mean, look at this batter! I’m not a huge batter/raw dough lover, but this? I wanted to scrape it up with a spatula and eat a bowl of it.


So.freaking.good.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


To say I’ve gone balls to the wall with the zucchini desserts this year would be an understatement.


But this! THIS one here is absolutely my favorite. Out of the cookies and the cake, these chocolate cupcakes are by far my favorite. Yes for the chocolate factor but also for the zucchini factor!


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


Okay and the frosting? OH YEAH. It’s avocado fudge. Avocado fudge!!


Don’t think it’s weird. I swear it isn’t.


Avocado frosting isn’t a new thing here – I made it a few years ago to top these banana cupcakes and went crazy over it. I actually love the combo of avocado + sugar and think it tastes incredible. Mixing chocolate into it? Ooomph! It’s almost like the avocado mousse but BETTER.


I love it so much that I hate it.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


Just give me a spoon for that entire bowl!


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


And can’t we just call it a superfood? Dark chocolate, avocado, zucchini? Yes I think so.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


Even though I’m sharing these on the first of September, they are technically a cupcake that you can make all year round since zucchini is pretty accessible. And I love that!


Eddie “thinks” that he doesn’t like zucchini bread (and banana bread!) or similar treats, but I might have convinced him otherwise with these. The frosting? He wasn’t 100% sold on because you can still very lightly taste the avocado. And he can’t get behind that.


But the cake itself! Just have it frosting-less if you’re not feeling the avocado. Or when all else fails… run to the grocery store and grab some of that double fudge triple chip chocolate frosting or whatever it is. Not that I have any experience doing THAT.


Plus, him not liking the avocado frosting just means more piled on top for me.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


And while I spent the majority of this year very NOT into chocolate (thanks to baby #2), I couldn’t stay away from these guys.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


The frosting stayed great – even overnight. I mean, you can’t tell if the avocados are turning since it’s chocolate! But my favorite way to consume these though are right out of the fridge. I’m normally not a cake-in-the-fridge girl but these are SO delicious when cold. Are the frosting is like taking big bites of fudge.


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com


Can we all agree on ringing in September this way? Chocolate on chocolate!


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com





Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Avocado Fudge Frosting




Yield: makes 12 to 16 cupcakes







Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
1 cup freshly grated zucchini square
1/2 cup chocolate chips

avocado fudge frosting



3 ripe avocados
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt



Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cupcake tin with liners.


In a bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, soda and salt.


In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the sugar and egg until slightly fluffy and combined. Add in the oil and melted butter, beating until combined. Add in the extract and beat on medium speed, scraping down the sides if needed. Add in half of the dry ingredients while beating on low speed. Add in the milk, continuing to beat on low speed then add in the dry ingredients. Beat until a smooth, silky batter forms then stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips with a spatula.


Use a 1/4 cup measure to evenly fill the liners 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are set. Let the cupcakes cool completely, the frost with the avocado frosting.


avocado fudge frosting


All all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Frost the cupcakes - I like this best when stored in the fridge, but it stays great at room temperature too!








Be sure to follow howsweeteats on instagram and tag your recipes with #howsweeteats! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the howsweeteats facebook page. I appreciate you so much!


chocolate zucchini cupcakes with avocado frosting I howsweeteats.com

You can’t even see the green so think of everyone you can trick too.


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Published on September 01, 2017 03:45

August 31, 2017

August Favorites: Lifestyle.

august lifestyle favorites I howsweeteats.com


A list of all the things I’ve been losing my mind over in the month of August. xo


Perfect Bars! Okay, so one Perfect Bar. I’ve only try the Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter with Sea Salt but I loooooove it. It’s so delicious. The entire bar is a little too heavy (if that makes sense?) for me to eat at once, but I love having half of it for a quick breakfast if I need something or an afternoon snack!


As for music, we can’t stop blasting Portugal The Man Feel it Still and Feels by Calvin Harris, Pharrell, Katy Perry and Big Sean. Those have been my two major go-tos this month and Max loves to dance to them too.


If you’ve been following my favorites you know that for the last few years I’ve been obsessed with my Samsung nx300 mirrorless camera. I’ve used it to vlog and often take pics of our outings if I don’t want to lug my DSLR somewhere. But as much as I’ve loved it, I’ve hated that the screen doesn’t flip all the way out (there is since a newer but much pricier model that does so!) so I can talk to the camera or see what we are videoing. For our trip to Maine, I bought the Canon G7x Mark II so I could take video AND pics. I absolutely LOVED it. I really wanted a new point and shoot before the baby comes since my DSLR is so massive and will be near impossible to take anywhere with two kids. It also takes so much to care for it since it’s such an expensive item that I need almost everyday for work. So far, this new one is great. I’ll be sharing a video and pics of our Maine trip soon, so you can judge for yourself!Tory Burch Miller Flip Flops. I know this is a repeat and nothing super exciting or new, but I cannot even explain my love for these shoes. I have beat the crap out of these shoes over the last three years. They are still so comfortable and look great even though they are so worn in. This is by far my most worn pair of shoes in the summer. I have the shade makeup and love love love them!


Favorite show by FAR this month was Ozark on amazon. We watched it in three days and I loved all of it.


If you’re local to Pittsburgh, you must must must try out Ironborn at Smallman Galley. The pizza is some of the best I’ve ever had and we went two weeks in a row.


The second Pittsburgh love of the month has been Millie’s. They have a peanut butter ice cream and getting that with a scoop of chocolate or their vietnamese coffee is LIFE. Also, their waffle cones are by far the best I’ve ever had.


Okay so this is a little early, but my grocery store already had my favorite Mrs Meyers scent of Apple Cider products a few weeks ago and I stocked up! I talked about this last year and you all went crazy over it, so go check it out at Target and they are also available on amazon!


Since I’m moving things along super early with this autumn train, I must tell you about my favorite fall candle. While I will always love Leaves from Bath and Body Works, I really adore the Pumpkin Chai Candle from Nest. I’ve already started burning one I had left from last year and it’s just to die for. Best smell ever! They also carry it at Sephora and I usually stock up on a few during the VIB sale if they aren’t out of stock.


Continuing on the fall trend, since I’ve already shot most of my fall and Thanksgiving recipes, I’ve been using this Staub pumpkin dutch oven I got a few years ago and just love it so much. It’s so festive and perfect for decorating in the kitchen too. I recently bought the white one for some recipes that I shot and it’s so gorgeous.


Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote. So I have put off buying one of these for YEARS. I used my cousin’s bag years ago and I got the hype, but I also prefer a more structured bag where everything doesn’t get lost. After buying one a few months ago, I’ve traveled with it a bit and LOVE it because you can stuff so much junk into it! I would never use it as a day-to-day purse or tote, but for traveling it is the best. Plus, it has a zipper!


BaubleBar Metallic Piñata Earrings. I hate that these are currently sold out. I bought them at the Nordstrom sale and have worn them constantly ever since. They are so super fun, light enough to wear for a long time and everyone always asks about them. I adore them.


[none of this is sponsored, just like to talk about things that I discover and love over the month. i purchased everything myself unless it was a gift from a family member or friend. tell me your faves! there may be a few affiliate links above. xoxoxo.]


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Published on August 31, 2017 13:47

Coconut Limeade Coolers.

You look like you need an end-of-summer slushie.


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com


Luckily, I made you one! In the form of a coconut limeade cooler. It’s refreshing and frosty and perfect for whatever the heck you are doing for this unofficial-end-of-summer long weekend.


And especially if you can’t have a huge icy glass of sangria.


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com


This is sort of like a slushie/frozen non-boozy margarita hybrid. So limey but also so coconutty. You can make your own limeade or use a bottled one and turn this into the perfect treat for the weekend.


Oooooh frostys. Have not had an actual one of those in years (like maybe ten? fifteen?) but one sounds sort of good right now. With fries dipped in it!


I officially hate myself.


But wait… would you dip your fries too?


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com


So! I used the canned coconut milk here, like the real deal, for extra creaminess. I wanted that almost-ice cream factor! This is too delicious for words. It’s a drink but also dessert but also a refreshing summer snack. It’s all the things.


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com


While my mind is still blown that it’s nearly Labor Day, I think we can all agree that we need a bunch of delicious things to eat this weekend. What are your plans? Do you have any fun traditions? Planning any BBQs?


I’m all about these BBQ havarti burgers with curly sweet potato fries or my real favorite mushroom and Dijon aioli cheeseburgers. So much flavor. Not sure if we will be grilling or what, but a burger will definitely be on the menu. Especially since I ate a million lobster rolls last week.


Oh oh oh and how about some white pizza dip for your party? Hello delicious. Insanity.


And puhlease tell me that you have made and are going to make the watermelon frosé this weekend if you don’t have a bun in the oven like me! It might be your last warm weather chance.


Otherwise, it’s coconut limeade all the way.


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com





Coconut Limeade Slushies









Ingredients:

limeade



2 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
2 1/2 cups water
2/3 cup simple syrup
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

slushies



3 to 4 cups limeade
1 (15 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
2 to 3 cups ice
lime wedges for garnish and spritzing



Directions:

limeade


To make the limeade, stir together the simple syrup, water, lime juice and lemon juice. Taste and add more sugar or lime juice if desired.


slushies


To make the slushies, combine the limeade, coconut milk and ice in a blender and blend until you have an icy consistency. Fill a glass with the slushie and top with a few lime wedges or slices. Enjoy!








Be sure to follow howsweeteats on instagram and tag your recipes with #howsweeteats! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the howsweeteats facebook page. I appreciate you so much!


coconut limeade coolers I howsweeteats.com

I mean if it looks like a margarita, you may as well add tequila!


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Published on August 31, 2017 03:45

August 30, 2017

Toasted Gnocchi with Herb Brown Butter.

Here’s how I think we should all end the month of August.



Aside from copious amounts of margaritas or sangria and popsicles and soft serve and maybe lots of guacamole since I can’t have those first two things.


Toasted gnocchi with herb brown butter!


That’s how.



This herb brown butter? We have to make it a THING you guys.



So. This is one of those embarrassingly easy meals.


It’s such a super simple dish but it’s packed with tons of flavor. TONS! I mean, we are talking boatloads.



Here’s the deal. You need some gnocchi – if you make it yourself, you might not even need to boil it. I use these little mini potato gnocchi because I love how tiny they are. Once they are cooked, you drop them into some olive oil and toast until they are golden and crunchy on the outsides.


Oh my heavens. This is a texture lovers’ DREAM! Pillowy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.


I could practically stop there and eat them just like that.


Instead, I add brown butter. And more herbs than I can count. My tomatoes are pathetic this year but my herbs are rockin’!



Also? You guys, this meal takes minutes. MINUTES. If you’re inexperienced in the kitchen, it will probably take you around 20 to 30 minutes. If you’re experienced? 15 minutes maybe. Super fast for a lot of taste here.



The fun part is that this toasted gnocchi can truly be the base for whatever the heck you want. Different cheeses, herbs, a marinara for drizzling or dipping – any of it! I absolutely love that. You could add chicken or shrimp if you have a husband like mine who would only consider this a side dish (def dinner for me, BTW) and you could toss it with roasted vegetables too. It’s even good when served at room temperature!


Only issue is trying not to eat the entire serving by YOURSELF. It’s difficult.








Toasted Gnocchi with Herb Brown Butter




Yield: serves 2 to 4




Total Time: 30 minutes




Ingredients:

16 ounces potato gnoochi (I love these mini ones)
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
finely grated parmesan cheese for serving
an array of fresh herbs - basil, rosemary, thyme, chives, oregano, for sprinkling

herb brown butter



6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 garlic clove, minced



Directions:

Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, shaving about 1 minute off the cook time. Yes, this means they will only cook for about 2 minutes! Drain the gnocchi and drizzle a bit of olive oil over it and toss so it doens't stick together.


Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once it's hot, add the gnocchi in a single layer (you might have to do this in batches depending on your skillet size) and toast on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.


To serve, place the gnocchi in bowls or on plates and drizzle with the herb brown butter. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and add a few fresh herbs on top. Eat up!


herb brown butter


Place butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat and immediately begin whisking. Stir as it bubbles, and after 2 to 3 minutes or so you should see brown bits appear on the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat immediately and continue to whisk for another 30 seconds or use. Stir in the fresh herbs and garlic.








Be sure to follow howsweeteats on instagram and tag your recipes with #howsweeteats! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the howsweeteats facebook page. I appreciate you so much!



Look at those golden bits! I die.


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Published on August 30, 2017 03:45

August 29, 2017

Tuesday Things.


1. I can’t even tell you how much fun we had in Maine and how much we loved it. I’m pretty sure Eddie is already planning for our trip back. It’s more gorgeous that I even expected. And do you know one of the reasons that I’ve always wanted to go there? Because six years ago I read this book and it hooked me.


2. How refreshing and incredible does this pineapple peach lemonade look?!


3. Thoughts on the new Taylor Swift song? So I’m on the fence. The song itself, like the beat and stuff? I love it. It’s catchy. Though it kind of reminds me of Britney Spears. It’s in my head. It was awesome on the elliptical this morning. But if it’s really about all these people… like, can she just stop doing that? Why bring more attention to things like that? How about just GET OVER IT. And then make songs like this!


4. My friends at sugar and cloth live in Houston and are doing a great thing for hurricane harvey victims.


5. I actually was excited to watch Games of Thrones this week with Eddie even though it’s totally not my cup of tea. It was so good!


6. How Martha does it.


7. Also whyyyy am I still so in love with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet? This is why.


8. Totally planning on decorating for fall this coming weekend. I almost always wait until summer truly ends and we get closer to October, but I’m in such a fall mood with all the autumn recipes I’ve been making that I can no longer wait. Plus, it’s never too early to start burning the Leaves candle, right?


9. It would be totally okay if no TV station ever played the trailer for IT again. Like ever ever again.


10. p.s. today is THE DAY! You can finally pre-order a copy of my next book, The Pretty Dish! I would appreciate it so, so much if you guys would order a copy. Preorders are so important to the success of the book!


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Published on August 29, 2017 12:20

The Pretty Dish Cover Reveal and Pre-Orders! AHHHH!!!!

Cue all the exclamation points!


So, two weeks ago I asked you guys to vote on the cover of my next cookbook, The Pretty Dish, and I am super excited to show you the reveal!



This is the winning cover! There were thousands of votes and it seemed fairly close at first, but cover #2 won by a good amount. I could not love it more.


And as of today, you can preorder the book! WOOHOO!


You can preorder at:   *Amazon*      *Barnes and Noble*      *Indiebound*      *Books a Million*


I would be SO THRILLED if you guys would head over and pre-order a copy of the book. It would mean the absolute WORLD to me. I have some amazing things planned in the months to come for those of you that pre-order (so make sure to “star” that order receipt in your email! hint hint). Preorders are so important – more important than I ever thought – and before I ever wrote a book, I probably wouldn’t have preordered one myself. But ever since? I preorder books constantly! Preorders will also help us gauge where I will be doing a book tour – and YES, you guys have been asking nonstop – I will be doing another book tour! More details to come early next year.


It would mean so much to me if you preordered a copy.


Here is just a small sneak peek of what you can find inside The Pretty Dish. The book has 150 (at least… ) BRAND NEW recipes that aren’t on the blog as well as 50 fun beauty DIYs (all made with food grade ingredients!), lots of my favorite party ideas, menus, playlists and things like how to build a perfect affogato bar. !!!!!!!! YES.









Thank you so, so much for all of your support over the last eight (!) years! You are the reason that I love doing what I do so much and heck, the reason I get to do it at all. I so appreciate you and am beyond thrilled you are here. XOXOXOXOXO


Buy The Pretty Dish here:  *Amazon*      *Barnes and Noble*       *Indiebound*      *Books a Million*


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Published on August 29, 2017 03:45

August 28, 2017

August Favorites: Beauty.

Hooooowwww is it August already?!


august beauty favorites I howsweeteats.com


I can’t even believe it!


This month I’ve really been into wearing a lot more makeup than I have in a while – which is super weird since it’s summer and it’s been hot! I’m currently trying the Bare Minerals Bare Pro foundation even though I hate foundation… but want something for a little more coverage on certain days. And can’t help but be a beauty junkie who tries everything when it comes out.


P.S. also still totally loving the Jouer Skinny Dip highlighter and that Laneige Lip Mask from last month. It’s the best.


Now on to this month’s loves!


SK-II Facial Essence. Oh gosh. I have SO wanted to hate this. So wanted to. You might remember that I bought the value set at the Nordstrom anniversary sale and I’ve been using it ever since. I freaking love this. I swear it has just made my skin… glowy and great? I’ve had no dryness issues this month, nothing like last month. I feel like this has made my skintone so even. Two things: I still hate the scent (maybe I’m more sensitive to it while pregnant) and I hate the delivery system of “pour into your hands and pat on your face” – no matter what I feel that some gets wasted. I know there is a pump bottle but it’s million dollars. Just have to say that I am L.O.V.I.N.G. this.


Commodity Gold cologne. A month or so ago my cousin texted me a picture of this in sephora and was like “YOU NEED THIS IT SMELLS LIKE YOU” which of course meant I had to get the travel size to try it. Rollerballs and travel sprays are something I have a love/hate relationship with because I can try a ton of scents, but it keeps me from having that nostalgic scent memory since I have so much dang perfume now and always wear something different. I do absolutely love this. If you like warm, vanilla-y (not sugar cookie though), amber-y scents, this will totally be right up your alley. Of course I also had to try the Elizabeth and James Nirvana Amethyst since I love the Bourbon and Black so much. I really like it but still on the fence – I don’t think I like it MORE than Bourbon or Black.


august beauty favorites I howsweeteats.com


Pat McGrath Matte Trace Lipstick in Full Panic. I bought into the hype on these Pat McGrath lipsticks and I have to say I am obsessssssed with this color. I probably should have grabbed another shade because this is very similar to my favorite MAC shade in Relentlessly Red, but this is arguably more comfortable to wear and not as drying! It also might be a little more orange. While I’m sort of over the matte lip trend for myself (because ouch), I do love these brighter shades in matte.


Anastasia Aurora Glow Palette. Yes, I feel a little goofy even talking about this and being in my 30s but, uh, hello, I LOVE THE SHIMMER!! This is one of the palettes that I mentioned impulse buying a few months ago and I’ve been loving it all summer. I was sure once I got it home I would end up returning it, but I adore it. I use it for highlighter, eyeshadow, inner corner highlight, etc. The colors don’t look crazy on me but I’m also super pale.


august beauty favorites I howsweeteats.com


OUAI Memory Mist. I’ve been super into curling my hair lately (I swear it’s because I know in two more months I won’t have time to do anything!) and grabbed this at Sephora a few weeks ago. I love the texturizing powders and I still use the Kenra blow dry spray, but this is sort of a cross between the two: a heat protectant and a product that is supposed to hold your style until the next washing. I’ve been using it on damp hair, then drying and curl. Loving it so far and I’m pretty sure it’s been doing what it is supposed to!


Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Cream. I took the plunge! I’ve been eyeing this for a long time and since my Sunday Riley Tidal was gone, I decided to grab this instead. This is perfection for my skin, both morning and night. I love it under makeup. Occasionally, I still have to use something heavier (like the FAB Ultra Repair) but I’ve been using this consistently twice a day all month.


august beauty favorites I howsweeteats.com


That’s all for this month! One thing I’m really thinking of trying is the Algenist Liquid Collagen. It has such amazing reviews! Have you tried it? I’d love to hear what you are loving this month!


{as usual, none of this is sponsored and all of these products were purchased by me. i am not affiliated with any of the companies above, nor do i accept free products. just love to talk about what i like, makeup junkie to makeup junkie. there are some amazon and general reward style affiliate links above. thank you for being here!}


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Published on August 28, 2017 13:25

Grilled Corn, Chicken and Bacon Beer Chowder.

I feel like we’re serving up a big bowl of August today!


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While I’ve been rambling about things like tomatoes and corn being really great for a few weeks, right now we know that they are REALLY REALLY great, right?! The flavor is so spot on an at its peak! At least where we live, which makes corn on the cob a near daily occurrence at our house.


Enter chicken corn chowder… made with bacon. And beer! It’s packed full of flavor and sooo satisfying. In true Jessica form, I want to eat it forever.


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I love love love making a summer sort of soup in August and September because I find it to be the perfect bridge between summer and fall. Even though it’s still pretty hot where we are, the air gets slightly cooler at night and heck, I’m always in a soup mood!


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Eddie, however, is not always in a soup mood. He’s RARELY in a soup mood. He doesn’t really consider soup to be a meal, unless it’s something like chili or what not. So my goal was to make a really hearty soup that meant he ate it for dinner alone!


Which happened, thank goodness.


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I mean, how could you turn a bowl of this down?!


Max wasn’t as into it – he’s still sort of enjoying his food in separate parts, if that makes sense. Fifteen months ago he would have eaten this up. Today he’s like… “pull the chicken and bacon out and I’ll eat that.”


OKAY.


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One of the best parts?


You can totally use fresh or grilled or roasted or whatever the heck you want corn in this soup! I used half fresh (cut from the cob!) in the soup and garnished it with a lot more grilled corn right off the cob. Whatever you have on hand – use it. You can even use frozen corn if you want to make this in the middle of winter. Which I probably will like a crazy person.


grilled corn, chicken and bacon chowder I howsweeteats.com


Can you even BELIEVE we’re entering into the last “unofficial” week of summer before Labor Day? I know I’m a walking cliche but, like, WHERE THE HECK did the last few months go? My mind is blown at the speed. Tomorrow I’ll probably wake up and be 75 years old. At least then my music tastes will match my age.


And it will be acceptable to eat soup in the summer. Always!


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Grilled Corn, Chicken and Bacon Beer Chowder




Yield: serves 4




Total Time: 1 hour




Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 sweet onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup your favorite beer
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
1 cup chopped yukon gold potatoes
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
6 ears corn, fresh, grilled or roasted, kernels cut from cob (I did half and half)
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives for garnish (or any fresh herbs!)



Directions:

Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered. Removed it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.


Add the onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper to the bacon grease and stir. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Pour in the beer and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Pour in the chicken stock, the potatoes, chicken and a little over half of the corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and cover, cooking until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.


In a shaker bottle, add the flour to the half and half and shake well until it is combined. Slowly pour it into the soup mixture while stirring. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes - it should thicken up. Taste and season additionally if needed.


Serve with the crispy bacon for topping, the extra corn and chives and/or herbs on top.








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And that’s everything I want in a bowl.


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Published on August 28, 2017 03:45

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